A ‘Castle’ Wedding for a Budgeting Bride
Photo Courtesy of the tennessean.com
Thanks to celebrity power couples like Tom and Katie, Eva and Tony and Victoria and David, castle weddings are becoming all the rage for brides the world over. Providing the best in dream-come-true- appeal and over the top glam-ocity, it’s easy to see why a castle would make an idyllic setting for the princess bride in all of us.
… But what happens when there’s a trim budget to take into consideration? Is a Castle Wedding still possible? Well, according to Jessica Patterson and Matt McCullough, it sure the heck is!
Recently featured in the Tennessean, Patterson and McCullough tied the night this Valentine’s day (2.14.2010) at their favorite castle during the wedding ceremony of their dreams. Under a very tight budget and the unmistakable glow of fluorescent lighting, the couple said “I do” front of all their family and friends inside of one the world’s most famous (and delicious) castles ever… White Castle.
That’s right. Home of the world famous sliders and Patterson’s job for the last four years, the Murfreesboro White Castle provided the perfect setting for their newlywed nuptial love to shine, and it did it all without breaking their bank.
With the help of her co-workers, family and friends, Patterson was able to pull off the day she has now dubbed “the happiest day ever” and was quick to credit all those who assisted in getting the plans together. “I’m just tickled it turned out so nice,” she said. <Siiiighhhh> Young love :)
So, without further adieu, can I just say that I love this? I’m all about couples making their wedding day their own, and this, my dear friends, is making it your own. To me, Patterson and McCullough knew the “who” on a wedding day is a schmillion times more important than the “what, where, when, why and how’s.” Consider yourselves, Marilyn’s Keepsakes approved, Julie and Matt and cheers to many years of happiness!
…
P.S. Feel free to send any of the leftover reception treats to me. Goodness knows, I’m always down to get my onion petal / chicken ring / slider munch on!
3 comments February 15, 2010
If Valentine’s Day is for Lovers… What Happens to All the Loners?
Photo Courtesy of Zazzle.com
I came across a post on OneWed.com featuring Jessica Alba today that I found incredibly pertinent to share with all of you. In lieu of the looming Cupid Shuffle weekend, the recently married, movie star gave all unmarried women a mantra to relish in… if your haven’t found Mr. Right, enjoy Mr. Right Now. Haha!
While this is The Best WEDDING Blog Ever, I think it’s important to pay homage to everyone still looking. After all, if you don’t seek, you won’t find, and if you don’t find, it’s nearly impossible to wed. (Well, unless you suffer from objectum-sexuality. Then, just about anything within reach is fair game – haha!)
I’d be lying if I didn’t say I used to loathe Valentine’s Day. In fact, during my four year stint at good ‘ole Indiana University, my roommates and I used to refer to the day as “Black (fill-in-the-day-it-fell-on-here)”… pretty much dubbing it a day for mourning. What I learned, however, from all my years of being a depressing Denise is that sitting around whining about not having a Valentine into a cup of booze and (ironically) a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby was the last place I would ever find love.
I mean, you don’t have to be a wizard to know that whiny, over-eating women aren’t considered Grade A, top choice by the male population. Sitting around feeling sorry for myself, never did me (or my stomach) any favors, which is why I implore all of you – single, dating, married or otherwise – to go out an enjoy Valentine’s Day. Whether you do something with the one you love the most or simply a bunch of people you love to be around, get out there and celebrate! How?? You might ask…
Well, for those of you with a loving man at home, I suggest you give him a good squeeze this Valentine’s Day and remind him how nice it is to come home to him every night… but more importantly, for those of you still looking… don’t stay in this weekend and plot a way to steal Cupid’s arrows and shoot him down. Instead, might I recommend you go out and live it up. Gather some girls, and get’r'done! You deserve it; they need it, and let’s be honest, you just might find a man you’d be proud to bring home to Mama… or in Ms. Alba’s case, at least one who’ll do for the night ;)
3 comments February 12, 2010
Top 10 Ways 2 Save: The Wedding Edition
Let’s get real here. Finding true *louvre* is no easy feat, and once it’s found, it’s not always smooth sailing. Like all the best things in life, love needs three T’s: Time, Talent and Treasure (yes, treasure.) While you might think money is no matter to love, I would beg to differ. In the words of Madonna, “We are living in a material world, and (while you might think you’re one and above it all, I bet you still love flowers, nights out and a place to live; so, it’s time to sing it with her…) I am a material girl.”
All joking aside, though, when it comes to wedding planning, many couples are left feeling ”rich in love” but “poor in wallet.” Few of us have bottomless bank accounts when it comes to budgeting our nuptials. So, it helps to think about the big picture. You need to allot enough money for the things which matter the most to you. Cut corners and trim the budget on all the extra, less important items. Below are the Top 10 Ways to Save on Your Wedding:
- Avoid Saturday. By choosing an off day, you will avoid paying a premium for services. You might also be able to afford your dream photographer, ideal wedding location or perfect caterer by choosing an “off” day when most aren’t booked.
- Trim Your List. The amount of people in attendance will quickly make your budget boom. Trim your guest list by moving your wedding elsewhere – such as a destination wedding - or politely explain the wedding is only for close family.
- Repurpose + Restructure. Think of ways to get more bang for your buck. Have your bridesmaid’s place their bouquets on the reception tables as centerpieces or order mini wedding cakes, allowing the confections to act as both a decoration and dessert.
- Surf the Web. Go online for everything from RSVPs to bargain shopping. There are many cost saving applications and purchases to be found online, and it only requires time.
- Redeem Your IOUs. Call in favors from friends and family. Ask if anyone can do calligraphy, spin the turn tables or dabble like to moonlight as aspiring photographers or florists.
- Cut the Fat. Remove the some of the trimmings from your food choices. Instead of offering hors d’oeuvres, a sit down meal and an open bar, schedule your wedding between meals. Offer only cake and drinks or simply, lighten up on the food, eliminating some of the higher priced items.
- Turn Down the Volume. Cut a chunk of costs by forgoing the traditional wedding band or DJ. Create your own wedding soundtrack by choosing music together and burning it on a CD. Then, have a friend be your Master of Ceremonies by emceeing and changing the disks.
- Become a DIY Diva. Creating your own wedding invitations, wedding favors or wedding programs is a simple way to save a lot of money. With today’s high quality DIY kits, all you need is a quality printer and time to create a professional look without a professional price.
- Beg, Borrow + Steal. Okay, don’t steal, but try borrowing items that are generally bought or rented. Consider using family heirlooms such as candlesticks, wedding accessories or serving ware instead of renting or buying. It also adds a nice personal touch.
- Elope! The easiest way to save a lot of money on your wedding is to elope. You can still throw a killer party, letting your friends and family celebrate with you but you avoid over half of the fees related to a formal wedding.
The key to saving money on your wedding is to choose to forgo items which aren’t important to you in the long run. Decide on what you can’t live without and scrutinize everything else. And cheers, to many MANY years of happiness!
3 comments February 10, 2010
Top 10 Song Choices for All Your Must Have, Wedding Reception Moments
Traditionally speaking, there are several moments everyone can expect to take place during any given wedding reception. You can generally always count on a cake being cut, a bouquet being tossed and a garter being flung. There will inevitably be a mother + son, father + daughter and bride +groom spin on the dance floor, followed by toasts and cheers and almost unavoidably a family member embarrassing him/herself… Yep, gotta love “those” people showing up for all our special occasion needs.
With that said, it’s easy to see why many brides and grooms have a hard time narrowing down what songs should be played at what events. Whether there’s a lack of passion or too much passion behind the music, many couples either have too many song selections to pick from or not enough.
And while there may be no perfect solution to finding the balance, here are some suggestions to get you started:
Top 10 Introduction / Wedding Party Entrance Songs
- I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas
- Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
- Forever by Chris Brown
- We Are Family by Sister Sledge
- Bring ‘Em Out by T.I. featuring Jay-Z
- Sexyback by Justin Timberlake
- Celebration by Kool & the Gang
- Crazy in Love by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z
- Get Ready for This by 2 Unlimited
- Walk This Way by Aerosmith featuring Run DMC
Top 10 Bride + Groom Dance Songs
- At Last by Etta James
- God Blass the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts
- Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
- Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
- I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
- When You Say Nothing at All by Alison Kraus
- Better Together by Jack Johnson
- I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
- The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
- Everything by Michael Buble
Top 10 Father + Daughter Dance Songs
- I Loved Her First by Heartland
- My Little Girl by Tim McGraw
- What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
- My Wish by Rascal Flatts
- Unforgettable by Natalie and Nat King Cole
- Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle
- My Girl by the Temptations
- Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman
- In My Life by the Beatles
- There You’ll Be by Faith Hill
Top 10 Mother + Son Dance Songs
- I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
- You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
- Forever Young by Rod Stewart
- Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
- Through the Years by Kenny Chesney
- Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
- You’re Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins
- A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
- The Dance by Garth Brooks
Top 10 Cake Cutting Songs
- Sugar, Sugar by Archies
- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor
- Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
- Sweetest Thing by U2
- Lucky by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
- Love & Marriage by Frank Sinatra
- That’s Amore by Dean Martin
- I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) by the Four Tops
- All You Need is Love by the Beatles
- I Got you Babe by Sonny & Cher
Top 10 Bouquet Toss Songs
- Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Beyoncé
- Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
- It’s Raining Men by the Weather Girls
- Hit Me with Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar
- Just a Girl by No Doubt
- Wishin’ & Hopin’ by Dusty Springfield
- One Way or Another by Blondie
- Chapel of Love by the Dixie Cups
- Girls, Girls, Girls by Motley Crue
- Maneater by Nelly Furtado
Top 10 Garter Toss Songs
- Another One Bites the Dust by Queen
- Let’s Get It On by Marvin Gaye
- Legs by ZZ Top
- Oh Yeah by Yello
- Cherry Pie by Warrant
- I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred
- You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
- I’m Still a Guy by Brad Paisley
- Big Pimpin’ by Jay-Z
- Macho Man by the Village People
1 comment February 8, 2010
Midnight Munchies: Let Your Guests Get Their Late Night Nibble On
(In a haughty French waiter tone) “Dinner is served.”
And to our delight (fingers crossed) it will be followed almost immediately with alcoholic beverages and giant dance circles! While a marriage may be based on the love of two people, their wedding day is often based on everyone else’s love to celebrate it… so, when a wedding reception goes from late afternoon to an even LATER evening, guests are often times in need of some refueling.
Enter: the Midnight Snack.
Bringing out treats for your guests after a long night of dinner, drinks and dancing will be just what the doctor ordered and could totally restock the sizzle in all of them.
Delightful Midnight Dishes: Pizza, White Castle Burgers (more affectionately known as “Sliders”), Cheese ‘ n’ Cracker Trays, Fourth Meal (aka Taco Bell), Krispy Kreme Doughnuts or Cold Cut Sandwiches.
***Extra*** if doing a buffet style meal, check with your caterers to see the possibility of reheating leftovers. It’s a general rule of thumb for caterers to make 10% more food than they expect will be eaten… making the possibilities of leftovers great!
Add comment February 5, 2010
1950s Styled Wedding Gowns: A Look to the Past Could Be in Your Future
Audrey Hepburn. Marilyn Monroe. Sophia Loren. Elizabeth Taylor. Grace Kelly. Barbie.
…Don’t act like you’re not impressed. Fashion of the 1950s was all about timeless style and demure glamour, and these women embraced it beautifully. The entire decade – not to mention these bombshell beauties - oozed a kind of elegance, grace and sophistication that no other decade since has been able to touch. Heck, even the trends emulated by sultry, 1950s pin up girls reflected an element of class unscathed by raunchy obscenity or flagrant missteps.
It was a time for figure flattering tea length dresses and haute couture gowns; long sleeve, satin gloves and birdcage veils. There fitted waists and poodle skirts; delicately embroidered bust lines and ravishingly rouched waistlines. And while there are some parts of fashion history we all hope will never reemerge (helloooo 1980 linebacker shaped, puffy sleeved disasters!), it’s easy to see why fifties glamour is one of the most inspiring eras on the red carpet, and as luck would have it, bridal fashion.
Below are some examples of where old world icons and modern day designers have collided, and the results, my dear friends, are nothing short of epic. (Photos courtesy of Google Images, TheKnot.com and KleinfeldBridal.com. Merged by yours truly by the power of Photoshop.)
A soft, embroidered halter on Sophia Loren before & an Alvina Valenta gown after
A flaring, tea length dress on Barbie before & a Moonlight gown after
A single sleeved, off-the-shoulder Grecian dress on Grace Kelly before & a Romona Keveza gown after
A sleek, form fitting stunner on Audrey Hepburn before & a Palazzo gown after
A flirty, ballerina tutu on Marilyn Monroe before & a Winnie Couture gown after
A belted, cinched waist and pockets on Elizabeth Taylor before & a Priscilla of Boston gown after
A side sweeped, gathered gown on Grace Kelly before & a Enzoani gown after
A pleated, tea length halter on Marilyn Monroe before & an Amsale gown after
A bubbly, princess ball gown on Audrey Hepburn before & a Rosa Clara gown after
A jeweled side, red carpet favorite on Barbie before & an Oleg Cassini gown after
1 comment February 3, 2010
Celebrity Engagement News: Wedding Bells for Kristen Bell
Photo Courtesy of US Magazine
The former Veronica Mars star, Kristen Bell and long term, live-in boo, Dax Shepard are tying the knot… and what better timing to announce this paparazzi paralyzer than alongside the release of their newest movie When in Rome??
Dax Shepard (age 35), first made famous by Ashton Kutcher’s reality series, Punk’d, has now made a name for himself in quirky, offbeat romantic comedies; while Ms. Bell (age 29) is regular red carpet darling and one of Hollywood’s fastest rising ”It Girls.” The two love birds have been spotted together for the past few years, and it was almost inevitable they were gonna take the plunge.
According to US Magazine - who first reported the nuptial news – Bell is über excited for her upcoming wedding day, in part because she knows what goes into making a good relationship work.
“I’ve learned the necessity for healthy communication. How important it is to talk about your deepest, darkest fears and feelings. Your partner should hear your most embarrassing insecurities, because once you say them out loud, you created a safe zone… (and) a snuggle party can fix anything – it’s true.” Kristen Bell
Haha! Love it! Congrats on the engagement, kids!
***Post Thought*** does anyone else think it’s a bit of a conundrum how someone like Dax Shepard has been linked to Hollywood hottness like Kristen and Kate Hudson? I mean seriously? Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t seem to get past his grease ball persona, Vince Downey from Employee of the Month. (Shivers at the thought) Gross. Haha!
1 comment February 1, 2010
Wish Upon a Wedding: The Fairy Godmother of Wedding Organizations
Because everyone deserves a happy ending...
When a co-worker forwarded me an email titled “Announcing America’s ONLY Wedding Wish Granting Organization,” my immediate thoughts went straight to “DE-LIGHT!” Even before I opened the email and read the press release in its entirety, I knew there had to be something magical in store… and magic, my dear friends, is exactly what I found.
Wish Upon a Wedding is a brand new (for real – their launch party was yesterday 1.28.2010) nonprofit organization whose intentions and goals are nothing short of extraordinary. As America’s only wedding wish granting organization, Wish Upon a Wedding fully intends to “produce weddings and civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States for individuals facing terminal illness.” If that doesn’t have *tear* written all over it, I don’t know what does.
After perusing through their Web site, I came across something that moved me. Because I consider myself an eternal, hope-FULL romantic, I’m always looking for optimistic news, which seems to be few and far between these days. Hence why fairytale-come-true stories are always topping my list. As a self proclaimed cheerleader of love, there’s nothing that warms my heart more than seeing just how far a little love can be spread.
By celebrating the courage and spirit of these couples, it is our hope that others facing similar situations will find hope, strength, and the promise of eternal love. (wishuponawedding.org)
This is truly inspirational, which is why I encourage you all to read Florence’s story – Wish Upon a Wedding’s first recipient winner and see what you can do to help! Speaking from experience, proclaiming my love to my Mister - in front of all our family and friends – has hands down been the most beautiful moment of my life. So, anyone or organization whose soul intention is built around helping others, especially those as deserving as Florence, achieve this goal are gold star worthy in my book and merit all the help they can get!
So thank you, Wish Upon a Wedding, for bringing the *Bibbidi, the *Bobbidi and the *Boo to those who merit it most! And cheers to everyone who’ll get their “happily ever after…”
Photo Courtesy of Fanpop.com
2 comments January 29, 2010
Save the Date Videos: Let Your Wedding Day be a Box Office Smash
“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close up.” Sunset Boulevard
Yesterday, a girlfriend at work (whaaaduup, Nat!) asked me if I saw the Early Show on CBS that featured a couple’s Save the Date video… I was like, “Whhhhaaaaa? A video?? For their save the date? That’s incredible!”
Incredible, I came to realize, was the understatement of the century. After perusing through a few YouTube videos last night, I became a woman possessed. Save the Date videos have been around for awhile, and over the course of time, they’ve become - among other things - a force to be reckoned with. So, reckon, I shall.
When I featured the blog post about the Mister & Me’s Save the Date Magnets, I have to admit, I was pretty impressed with myself and our pre-invitation mailers. Armed with my Adobe Photoshop skills, I created something original in design and unique to us, and while I’m still proud of our little save the dates, I’d be lying if I said they weren’t dwarfed by the awesomeness of these videos.
Just like every couple is different, so were the videos they directed. Dead sere, I saw everything! Some couples treated it like a movie trailer to a big ticket event; while others stuck with the more traditional video / picture montage approach. In the end, however, it didn’t matter if they were telling story, being romantic or simply downright ridiculous, because with the conclusion of each video came the knowledge to Save the Date! Below are some of the standout examples: ENJOY!
Poking fun at Bridal Stereotypes:
Takin’ the CUTENESS to a whole new level!:
Bringing the Humor with Beyoncé (P.S. That’s the groom on the left) :
Movie Trailer Madness:
Traditional Montage:
EPIC (aka forgot-what-I-was-watching) Movie :
3 comments January 27, 2010
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed & (Go Ahead, Make Everything Else) Blue!
Photo Courtesy of W. Scott Chester
Formally known as just another “something,” blue is proving to be more than just another pretty face in the crowd for 2010 weddings… and I must admit, I’m a huge fan.
While 2010 is likely to bring all kinds of wedding trends, when it comes to color, blue is easily the go-to hue for brides everywhere. According to The Wedding Report’s 2010 Wedding Color Trends, over 20% of brides are planning on using blue as their primary color.
This may not seem like much, but considering green is the next biggest competition at 11.3%, I’d say blue has more than a leg up on the competition.
Photo Courtesy of Beautiful Blooms
Brides are incorporating its cool tone into everything from bridesmaid dresses and bouquets to reception centerpieces and accessories… and making their guests “ooh” and “aww” accordingly. No longer a just a sad shade for Picasso’s blue period, this cobalt encrusted hue epitomizes peace, tranquility and harmony. <Sigh>Sounds pretty incredible, right?
Well, historically speaking, blue is also the symbol of unity, trust, confidence, loyalty and security; so, it seems like a no brainer that brides would want it to be a part of their day. Buuut, if you still need some convincing, feast your eyes on some of the Google images I’ve collected to help state my case… Case dismissed :)
1 comment January 25, 2010
